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Affordable Housing Agreements: Advice for local government and community housing organisations
Publisher/s
Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) and Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) prepared by Hornsby & Co. for CHIA Vic and MAV. Legal advice provided by Russell Kennedy Lawyers.
Abstract
The lack of Affordable Housing is one of the most critical and vexing issues facing Victoria. We have the lowest proportion of social housing in the country at 3.2% of dwellings; well below the national average of 4.5%.
With record population growth the problem will only get worse unless action is taken on a number of fronts.
Homes for Victorians and Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 both recognise the need to increase the supply of Affordable Housing.
Both policies suggest that the planning system has an important role to play in increasing supply but acknowledge that it cannot do it alone.
In 2018 amendments were made to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to facilitate the voluntary provision of Affordable Housing.
Until this time there were no guidelines to assist local government, community housing and developers to negotiate Affordable Housing outcomes.
The Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) have come together to commission this report and resources to address the practicalities of implementing these new provisions. Our aim is to provide a smoother pathway through the complexity of housing provision for all stakeholders.
The Overview section sets the scene for the report, explains what Affordable Housing is, and provides a description of the key players in Affordable Housing in Victoria.
Whether you are a local government or community housing practitioner, this section will help make sure everyone understands the terms and context for Affordable Housing in Victoria.
• The For Local Government section provides information to help local government staff and Councillors gain a better understanding of the constraints, needs, and strengths of community housing organisations.
• The For Community Housing section provides information to help community housing staff and board members gain a better understanding of the constraints, needs, and strengths of local government.